Perfecting the Art of Gifts for Clients

Etiquette and ideas for finding the right gifts for clients.

Gift ideas for clients and customers

Very often, we want to acknowledge a client or customer for contributing to a successful year, supporting us through a tough year or sending us new business. Or maybe we just want to say “thank you” for partnering with us on a winning project. Before starting to look for gift ideas for clients or customers, it’s smart to check your company’s policy. Often there are strict guidelines for gifting, including how much to spend, if anything at all.

Assuming it's okay to gift, you still need to ensure that your gift ideas for customers or clients are appropriate and send the right message. Client gifts and customer gifts can be an effective way to show your clients or customers that you appreciate them and want to continue your relationship. However, client gifts or customer gifts are only meaningful if you take the time to think about the people to whom you are giving them. What do they like? What are their interests? The key point: Know your customers and clients and use that knowledge to show that you care about them.

American Express Business Gift Cards: The Gifts that Stand Out

Can be used virtually anywhere in the U.S. where American Express Cards are accepted

Safer than cash because the funds can be replaced if lost or stolen*

Choose from a variety of designs appropriate for the holidays

For example, many people think a bottle of wine is always appropriate. Not necessarily. While a bottle of fine wine can be a lovely idea, if your client doesn’t drink, giving wine shows how little thought you put into the gift selection. If they do appreciate a fine wine, consider adding a personal note explicitly stating what you appreciate about them, like "thanks for the referrals this week - cheers!" or "Thanks for selecting us. You mentioned you enjoyed visiting this vineyard last year. Thought you might enjoy this."

If you know more about your clients and customers, try to tailor the gift. For instance, if your client is a music lover, then concert tickets or a new set of headphones would likely be great client appreciation gifts. Professionally framed maps can be fitting gifts for clients who love to travel. And, books make excellent gifts, even in the digital age. Graphic coffee table books that reflect the client’s interests, from fashion to photography are a nice touch. Giving books about relevant business or industry trends display an interest in your mutual success and can reinforce the perception of your acumen on a particular topic.

If you want to be top of mind regularly, subscription gifts are a great idea. Whether it’s a magazine, or membership in a wine-of-the-month club, you will be thought of fondly every time that weekly or monthly subscription gift is delivered.

When thinking of suitable gifts for clients or gifts for customers, you can always choose to give an American Express Business Gift Card. Gift Cards express your gratitude and appreciation and are flexible gifts that allow your clients and customers to choose what they want. To personalize your gift and show you know your client or customer, include a note that says something like “Indulge your passion for sushi with this Gift Card” or "Enjoy your trip next week!" They’ll consider your gift to be thoughtful and know that you value the relationship.

Gifts Your Clients Will Remember — Order Your Business Gift Cards Today
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Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards may be used at US merchants that accept American Express® Cards. However, Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards may not be used at ATMs or for Recurring Billing. Additional limitations may apply. See American Express Gift Card Cardholder Agreement or American Express Business Gift Card Cardholder Agreement, as applicable. Gift Cards and Business Gift Cards are not available for sale to VT or HI residents. American Express does not ship Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards to the states of VT or HI.

The following prepaid cards, issued by American Express® that have been fully registered by the Card Member and approved by American Express, may be used to make purchases on americanexpress.com/gift: American Express Serve®, Bluebird, One VIP™ Card, and Target Prepaid REDcard® by American Express. No other prepaid cards, including single load gift cards, may be used to make purchases on this site. American Express does not accept any payment methods with addresses from the states of VT or HI for Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards.

For questions about American Express Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards, please use the Search box located in the upper right corner. Alternatively, you may call 1-877-297-4438 for questions about American Express Gift Cards. Or, for questions about American Express Business Gift Cards, please call 1-800-297-7327, seven days per week.